mama love

A few years ago, someone said something to me that resonated so deep within my heart that I will never forget it: Every mother needs a wife.

Yes. That. All of That.

That simple phrase is the key to surviving motherhood (especially in those early years).

I am one of the lucky ones who has about six wives.

Don’t get me wrong, husbands are great. I would be totally lost without my husband. He is a great provider, a perfect parenting partner, and all around awesome…

…but sometimes a mama just really needs a wife.

My husband travels a considerable amount for work; leaving me to rule to roost with a stubborn dog and two very outspoken young ladies. If it were not for the amazing tribe of women, who have banded around me and supported me during his times of absence, I would probably be locked away in a padded room somewhere. They have become my life blood during those weeks when it’s just me and the kids. They are undoubtably my lady soul mates; my sister wives.

What is a Sister Wife?

Well, I think technically it’s a term used to describe a polygamous marriage partner BUT I use it to describe my closest of friends. That’s what they are to me. They are my sisters. They are my wives. They are my true kindred spirits.

We cook for each other. We look after each other’s children. We lend compassionate ears when one of us needs to share deep dark secrets or just vent about wiping butts 100 times a day.

We are intertwined in each other’s lives. We love each other; honestly and truly love one another. We understand each other and accept each other’s crazy. We talk of living in a sister wife commune together; or at the very least taking a sister wife vacation to somewhere tropical and full of chocolate (and booze).

When we first arrived in Wisconsin 4 years ago, I did not know a single person. Then, one by one, the universe brought these women into my life. Each was an instant bond; something totally unique and nothing I’d experienced before. It’s all very cosmic and amazing. With my sister wives I can share wild and crazy ideas and they typically respond: “ ME TOO!”

Sometimes plans change. Sometimes, people move away.

Maybe not today.

Maybe not tomorrow.

Maybe not even 1 year from now.

…but one day I will pack up my home and my life, and move away from them.

It’s the nature of life; always fluid, always changing. I take comfort in knowing that physical distance between our homes will not impact our love for one another.

Friends float in and out of your life; sometimes leaving a lasting impression, other times, not so much. But a sister wife is more concrete than that. Miles cannot separate the bond and love of a sister wife.

To my Sister Wives: Thank You.

I am the mama and the woman I am today because of your love, support, guidance, and inspiration.

You motivate me to be a better person and a better parent.

Thank you for the endless love and support when I most needed it.

Thank you for loving my children as if they were your own.

Thank you for never judging me or my parenting choices; even on the days when I feed my children boxed mac and cheese and plant them in front of a screen.

Thank you for encouraging me to spread my wings and soar; and for being there to pick me up when I crash and burn.

Thank you for not thinking I am totally crazy for being in love with my dog.